Although contemporary dating services like to perpetuate the myth that “happily ever after” never begins in a club, David Alcorta and Craig Felderhoff would beg to differ. “We met at the Montrose Mining Company on Valentine’s weekend in 2010,” says Alcorta. The electric energy of the club and the magic of the holiday zapped the couple with a double dose of cupid’s spell, and they have been together ever since.

After a whirlwind courtship, Felderhoff proposed to Alcorta during a day-trip to the Grand Canyon. “We were on vacation in Las Vegas and decided to take a spur-of-the-moment jaunt to the Grand Canyon.” All of the magic of their time together seemed to culminate in the overwhelming splendor of the magnificent canyon setting, where they decided to figuratively “take the leap.” “The vastness and timelessness of the Grand Canyon was a beautiful and fitting setting for us to decide to spend our futures together,” reminisces Alcorta.

In keeping with the rugged outdoor theme, they were married on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on August 12, 2013, in Ogunquit, Maine. “We chose Maine because of the congeniality of Ogunquit, and the ease with which we got our marriage license,” adds Felderhoff. With a sailboat in the background, the two exchanged vows in a public area of the coast, attracting supportive onlookers who applauded at the conclusion of the ceremony.

All of the arrangements for the memorable occasion had been accomplished well ahead of time with the help of online searches. “Craig simply googled ‘Ogunquit Maine Gay Weddings’ and he was off to the races,” says Alcorta. “With the assistance of gay wedding guide Frances Reed, we managed to garner all of the necessities to make our wedding a once-in-a-lifetime moment. From floral arrangements to catering, and even an LGBT photographer, we had it all. Frances was a true professional and a wonderful resource.”

The couple continued their New England experience with their honeymoon, traveling through Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. “The upper East Coast will always have a special place in our hearts,” says Felderhoff. “It will always be remembered as the place that made our dreams come true.”

A few months later, in October 2013, they renewed their vows as Rev. Janice Ladd officiated at a second ceremony for friends and family in the backyard of their picturesque Houston home. “It was great to share our joy with loved ones, and to have them honor our commitment in the place we call home,” says Alcorta.

Of course, coordinating the Houston celebration was literally “a piece of cake” since Alcorta is the owner of David Alcorta Catering. “It was a very special experience to be able to personally ensure that everything was exactly as we wanted it to be,” says Alcorta. “Our friends and family truly shared a slice of our life together, making it a day full of precious memories.”

Because of the two separate ceremonies, Alcorta and Felderhoff have a hard time keeping track of the date of their actual anniversary. “I guess you could say that we are doubly blessed,” chuckles Alcorta. “Having to celebrate twice a year isn’t a bad proposition, after all. Everyone should be so lucky.”

Sharon Carter is a principal in Creatures’ Comforts, a Heights-area pet-sitting and -walking service celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.